By Dhammika Ratnaweera
Opener Pathum Nissanka made a career-best first-class double century with a patient inning of 217 to partner with number eight bat and paceman Chamika Karunaratna, who made an unbeaten century to save Sri Lankan A team from an innings defeat at the hands of visiting Ireland team at the Hambantota International stadium on Wednesday. The unofficial test ended in a draw.
Coming into the third day’s play, Sri Lanka was struggling at 180 for four in their follow on in reply to the visitors mammoth 508 for eight in their first innings. Sri Lanka was bowled out for 303 in their first innings. Vice-captain Angelo Perera made solid knock of 127 while Sahmmu Ashan hit 72 for the first innings total.
The fourth and final day started with 0pener Pathum Nissanka and promising left hander Kamindu Mendis making a valubale 154 runs for the fifth wicket as overnight batsmen. Mendis made 53 in 106 balls was out for Mark Adhir while soon after Shammu Ashan was out for 14 with return catch hold by Adhir.
However Pathum Nissanka made a marathon innings for the home side with a fine double century which included 28 fours in 274 balls while Chamika Karunaratna who came to the middle as number eight batsman made his maiden first-class century in 106 balls with 11 fours and 2 sixes. This pair added a match-saving partnership of 102 for the seventh wicket.
After Chamika reached his maiden century Sri Lanka ‘A declared the innings 468 for seven wickets with making 264 runs target to win for Ireland ‘A’ team . However at close of the game Ireland were 89 for 3 in 24 overs.
Chief scores
Ireland ‘A’ 508 for eeight wickets declared in the first innings N.Rock 85, T. Tucker 80,J. Cameron 76n.o, J. Mac Collum 72, Chamika Karunaratna 3/ 99 , Lasith Ambuldeniya 3/142 and 89 for 3 wickets at close. J Mac Collum 45 n.0 Lasith Ambul deniya 2/47
Sri Lanka ‘A’ first innings 303 all out Anjelo Perera 127, Shammu Ashan 72, J Cameron 5/99,C. Young 3/76 and 468 for 7 wickets declared Pathum Nissanka 217, Kamindu Mendis 53, Chamika Karunaratna 100 n.o J.J. Garth 3/140 , Mark Adhir 2/65
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